Outstanding quality in the 2010 vintage

The annual report by the Argentinian Association of Food and Wine Professionals (APEAA) describes a vintage with unique characteristics all over the country, in spite of the low yields.

With smaller harvest volumes but excellent grape sanity, the first juices of 2010 are starting to flow. As every year, the Argentinian Association of Wine and Food Professionals (APEAA) prepared a report describing the characteristics of each wine region and the results of the year’s vintage, which seems to be one that will be “worth aging.”

In relation with Mendoza, it was pointed out that this is “a year of singular characteristics, promising very good red and white wines in general.” As for the Northern Oasis of Mendoza, it was reported that “greater ripeness was achieved than the year before. White wines are adequate and balanced, and red wines show medium color intensity, good varietal expression, and are very pleasant on the palate.” In the East of Mendoza, a summer with relatively high humidity, some hail storms and a delay in phenolic maturity brought about phytosanitary diseases in certain areas. The white wines obtained are well-balanced and have good varietal expression, while the red wines present good intensity, moderate alcohol content and noble tannins.

According to the report, the area of the high Mendoza river basin had an exceptional vintage and wines with great varietal expression have been obtained. The report indicates that “white wines have high aromatic expression and great varietal character. The Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc varietals present very attractive, elegant hues, vegetal and citrus aromatic tones, and a fresh palate. Red wines show color intensity and excellent balance of alcohol and acidity. The Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon varietals offer an outstanding enological performance, very good color, and aromas of ripe black fruit. High-end wines display great aging potential, particularly Malbec, Petit Verdot, Bonarda and Cabernet Franc.”

Wines in the Uco Valley show, according to APEAA’s report, “well-balanced alcohol content, noble and gentle tannins, and great expression.” White wines have good aromatic concentration, vividly intense colors, and very good balance of alcohol and acidity. Red wines present sweet tannins, good body, moderate alcohol content and optimum conditions for aging. The quality of Malbec excels. In the case of the Southern Oasis, a year with relatively few adverse weather events allowed for the production of “high quality wines.”

San Juan: red wines with cellaring potential

In the opinion of wine professionals, this year San Juan obtained “white wines with aromatic intensity, varietal expression and moderate acidity, and red varietals with excellent aromatic potential for cellaring and top-quality tannins.”

The vintage of the Calchaquí Valleys (Salta, Tucumán, Catamarca) was characterized by “low yield, healthy grapes and excellent quality.” There was very good fruit sanity in general, as well as great varietal expression and finesse in Torrontés, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. “Red wines are slightly alcoholic and have less fruit than in previous years, but are well-structured and suitable for aging.”

In La Rioja, varietal traits have been brought out by the good weather conditions. “This was an excellent year for Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Chardonnay and Torrontés.” According to APEAA, “white wines stand out for the quality of their aromas and flavors.”

In Patagonia (Neuquén, Río Negro), wines clearly display the region’s varietal typicity. “Torrontés is the main variety in the predominantly small estates of the region. White wines are fresh and fruity, and show well-balanced acidity. Red wines have very good color concentration, great structure and excellent balance.”

Finally, in relation to Córdoba (Colonia Caroya), APEAA indicated that “rational winemaking practices” are being applied “for the production of young and fruity wines.”